Hi there everyone,

THE SITUATION:
We manufacture several different panels of Mixed/SMT PCB's, each with a
couple of assembly variants.
The general panel size is about 300mmx220mm

We dip coat our boards for environmental protection.
Our volumes are not in the millions, but can reach 10k panels per board
P.A.
We use QUAD P&P machines & a reflow oven.

We currently have to mask both sides of the mounting holes for a lot as
they are used as electrical connections too.
This is done with manually applied peelable resist which has to cure
for a few hours before use, and/or Kapton tape which
is rather expensive.

We have some boards with peelable resist screened on the non SMT side by
our board FAB, providing that it does not interfere
with the application of solder paste (I.E. panel remains level etc.).

THE QUESTIONS:

However, all the above does take a considerable amount of labor time etc
to do, so what I would like to know is would
we benefit from one of those machines that spray the coating on, missing
pre-defined areas etc ?

Also in what region does a secondhand one cost?
and what models should we be on the lookout for ?

Can using one of these machines provide the same (or better) protection
level that dipping the boards get?

What saving could we make in using one?

Also (to our UK Technetters) can anyone recommend a supplier of reflow
temp resistant tapes or dots etc, perhaps a tape
that is pre-cut to particular shapes ? I know that I can get Kapton tape
from Farnell but its rather dear..

Many thanks - Matthew Lamkin
Printed Circuitboard Draughtsman
Protec Hse, Churchill way,
Nelson, Lancashire.
England UK.
Email [log in to unmask]

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